MAJOR works to improve a social caf� in the centre of Weston are now complete and staff are keen to welcome new members.

Somewhere 4 Us is a service which caters for over 60s and aims to create a warm, welcoming and sociable atmosphere.

Thanks to grants, donations and bequests totalling �17,370, a new kitchen has been installed in the premises, and project manager Sharon Lammiman is hoping to attract up to 20 new members.

She said: “We call it a social caf�, although it is more than that.

“People can come here for entertainment, they can have a chat, have a nice meal and we also offer support and financial advice.”

One volunteer, Jack Miners, aged 92, has been attending the group for the past two years.

He said: “It gives people the opportunity to meet and for older people it is somewhere to go.”

Betty Perry, aged 77, who had also been attending the group for the past two years, told the Mercury: “It is very friendly, the games keep your brain active and it gets you out of the house and away from the same four walls.”

Entertainment includes bingo and quizzes, and day trips are also arranged, including a trip to Sanders GardenWorld this Saturday and a visit to see panto at The Playhouse next month.

A person trained in flexicology holds gentle exercise sessions for the group, and volunteers at Somewhere 4 Us are hoping to get trained in this so extra sessions can be arranged.

The project is funded through the Big Lottery and costs around �40,000 a year to run.

Staff have re-applied to the organisation as the scheme’s three-year grant is due to end next May, but they are hopeful of securing new funding.

Somewhere 4 Us is held in St Johns Hall on the Boulevard, and, although it shares its premises with Somewhere To Go, it is a separate entity.

The group meets every Tuesday and Saturday from 10am-1.30pm.

Entry is 50p and a three-course-meal costs �3.50, including tea and coffee.

For more information ring 01934 641880 during opening hours or simply pop along.